You're traveling abroad and you just got mugged. Your identification is gone, and so is all your money. What do you do? Mark Mayo, over at Q&A site Stack Exchange, has the answer.

When you've just lost everything, Mark suggests the first place to go is an embassy/consulate. Even if they can't solve the problem entirely, they can point you in the right direction. Here's why:

Lost passport? You can get issued an emergency travel document. Go to the embassy, not necessarily the police (friend did this in Russia and spent the night in prison for travelling without ID(!)).

Sick, injured, or worse? Hospitals can be arranged with the embassy, and Interpol can contact families overseas (I've had to do this on behalf of a friend while in Bolivia).

No money? Well if you can get to an embassy, they'll help out there, but you could contact someone for a Western Union transfer from overseas. Let's look at when I was pick-pocketed in Bunol, Spain - had no money for a phone call even. A bit of begging got some Euro to make a call, and in the end a kind police officer even helped with organising transport.

Mark also reminds us to not underestimate the kindness of strangers. When you need a little help, just asking for it can be enough to get you on your way.